In a landmark move that signals deepening institutional interest in Latin America’s agricultural sector, Tether, the company behind the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, has officially entered into an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Adecoagro, a leading sustainable agriculture firm based in Argentina. The deal, valued at over $600 million**, will see Tether purchase approximately 49.6 million shares at $12.41 per share, securing at least 51% ownership—and potentially up to 70%** when combined with its existing holdings.
This strategic acquisition underscores Tether's expanding vision beyond digital assets into real-world industries with long-term growth potential, particularly in emerging markets like Argentina.
A Strategic Push into Sustainable Agriculture
Adecoagro, led by CEO Mariano Bosch, operates across Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, focusing on large-scale sustainable farming of crops such as rice, soybeans, and dairy production. With an estimated enterprise value between $1.2 billion and $1.4 billion, the company represents a high-caliber target for investors seeking exposure to resilient agribusiness fundamentals.
Tether’s interest isn’t speculative—it’s strategic. The crypto giant already owns 19.4% of Adecoagro, acquired incrementally throughout 2024. Now, through a formal public tender offer, Tether Investments SA de C.V.—a member of the broader Tether Group—is moving to consolidate control.
“Tether always looks for opportunities in emerging markets, especially regions with strong growth potential,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, in a recent exclusive interview. “We evaluate investments case by case, focusing on sectors aligned with our long-term vision.”
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including sufficient shareholder participation to ensure Tether reaches the 51% threshold on a fully diluted basis. However, given Tether’s existing influence and the clear strategic alignment, approval is widely anticipated.
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Why Argentina? Why Agriculture?
Argentina ranks among the top global exporters of soybeans, corn, and wheat. Its fertile Pampas region offers some of the highest-yield farmland in the world. For Tether, this isn’t just about land or commodities—it’s about investing in sustainable food systems and climate-smart agriculture that can scale globally.
Ardoino emphasized that while Tether actively supports cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain infrastructure, the company also sees immense value in foundational sectors:
“Argentina, as a major agricultural power, presents unique opportunities to invest in high-quality land and production capacity. Our investment strategy focuses on identifying sectors with solid fundamentals and untapped potential—whether in emerging tech or established industries poised for transformation.”
This dual focus—on innovation and tangible assets—positions Tether not just as a fintech player but as a diversified holding entity with global economic influence.
Beyond Adecoagro: Eyes on Bioceres?
Tether’s ambitions in Argentina may extend beyond Adecoagro. Market reports indicate the firm has been quietly accumulating shares in Bioceres Crop Solutions, an Argentine biotech firm listed on Nasdaq that specializes in sustainable agricultural technologies, including drought-resistant seeds and carbon credit programs for farmers.
Although Tether currently holds less than 5% of Bioceres, analysts suggest a future increase is likely. Despite a challenging period that saw Bioceres’ stock drop from nearly $14 in early 2024** to under **$4 today, the company maintains a market cap of around $250 million and generates revenue close to double that figure.
With strong R&D pipelines and growing demand for climate-adaptive farming tools, Bioceres could become another cornerstone in Tether’s real-world asset (RWA) portfolio.
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Tether’s Financial Muscle: More Than Just Crypto
To understand Tether’s capacity for such large-scale acquisitions, one must look beyond USDT. In 2024 alone, Tether reported $13.7 billion in net profits, driven by interest income from its vast reserves of U.S. Treasury bonds.
Every time a user buys USDT with fiat currency, those dollars are typically invested in short- to medium-term Treasuries—a practice that generates consistent returns while maintaining liquidity and stability.
As of Q3 2024, Tether held $102 billion in U.S. Treasuries**, surpassing Germany and matching Mexico in total holdings. By early 2025, that number had grown to **$124.9 billion, placing Tether just behind South Korea—and poised to overtake it soon.
“Last year, we became the 19th-largest holder of U.S. Treasury bonds,” Ardoino noted proudly. “Now we’re on track to go even higher.”
This financial strength enables Tether to pursue bold investments without compromising the stability of USDT—the very foundation of its ecosystem.
Core Keywords Driving This Narrative
The key themes shaping this development include:
- Tether acquisition
- Adecoagro Argentina
- USDT stablecoin
- Real-world asset (RWA) investment
- Sustainable agriculture
- Emerging market investment
- Bioceres Crop Solutions
- Blockchain and agriculture
These keywords reflect both the technological and economic shifts converging in this deal—bridging decentralized finance with tangible global impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What percentage of Adecoagro will Tether own after the acquisition?
A: Tether aims to control at least 51%, but with its existing 19.4% stake and the new tender offer, it could reach up to 70% of outstanding shares.
Q: Is USDT at risk due to these large off-chain investments?
A: No. Tether maintains strict reserve management practices, with most fiat collateral invested in highly liquid U.S. Treasuries, ensuring stability even amid major corporate expansions.
Q: Why is Tether investing in agriculture instead of pure tech?
A: While Tether backs innovative technologies like AI and blockchain, it also sees long-term value in essential sectors like agriculture—especially in emerging economies where productivity gains can have outsized impacts.
Q: Could Tether take full ownership of Adecoagro eventually?
A: While not confirmed, increasing its stake further is within strategic possibility, especially if synergies between blockchain-based finance and agribusiness prove beneficial.
Q: How does this affect Argentina’s economy?
A: The influx of over $600 million from a globally capitalized firm boosts investor confidence and highlights Argentina’s potential as a hub for sustainable agri-investment.
Q: Is Tether planning similar deals elsewhere?
A: Yes. Ardoino has stated that Tether is evaluating opportunities across multiple emerging markets where strong fundamentals meet innovation potential.
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Final Thoughts: A New Era of Digital Capital Meets Physical Assets
Tether’s move into Argentine agribusiness marks more than a corporate acquisition—it symbolizes the maturation of digital finance. Stablecoins are no longer just tools for trading or remittances; they’re becoming engines of real-world economic development.
By channeling blockchain-derived capital into sustainable farming, biotechnology, and land management, Tether is helping pioneer the concept of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs)—a trend expected to grow exponentially in the coming decade.
For investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike, this deal serves as a powerful signal: the future of finance is not just digital—it’s deeply rooted in the physical world.